Page 40 of Navy

Julia and Rogue always tried to come for this event as it was an anniversary for them. The first time Rogue had seen and fallen in love with Julia was the first time we’d done this ride.

It wasn’t often that Noni and Bull made it to the UK and we understood their reasons—there was a lot of heartache in this country for them. We looked after the graves of their loved ones for them, and most of us flew out to them for Christmas and New Year. There was nothing like getting away from the cold and the rain for two weeks to relax by a pool in the blazing heat to revive a person.

Today was the last day of the summer term and we’d arrived on the beach and staked our claim at our usual spot. I’d chased the boys around, picked up enough shells and stones to sink a battleship.

Once they’d tired of that, the tennis balls and wickets had come out. Our entire group was embroiled in a vicious game of beach cricket. There was a lot of laughter and we’d lost one of the balls to the sea when Ben hadn’t been able to catch it in time.

My attention was dragged away from the game by a small hand pulling on my shorts. Looking down into familiar blue eyes that were now drooping from tiredness, I picked up our youngest boy, who immediately cuddled into me.

“Are you okay, son?”

Feeling his little head nod against me, I smiled when he muttered, “Tired, Daddy.”

Patting his back, I waved at Dragon that I was out and motioned to where the women were sitting. Getting a thumbs up, I abandoned my post knowing that someone would take my place. I walked my son up to where my sweets was sitting.

She was just as beautiful as she’d been the first time I’d seen her. Gia’s eyes caught mine as we walked up. Winking at her, I grinned when her cheeks heated slightly. All these years later and my love still blushed for me.

Coming to a halt near her chair, I knelt down and settled our youngest on the blanket next to her. He immediately closed his eyes with a sigh, tilting the umbrella I made sure he was in the shade before turning my attention to Gia, who’d been watching me with soft eyes.

Cupping my hands on her belly, I smiled as our fifth and last baby kicked me. We’d both been taken by surprise when we’d found out we were expecting again and this time it was a girl, “How are you feeling, sweets?”

Lifting my eyes to hers to find her smiling at me, her hand cupped my cheek, her other hand covering my pec that held the tattoo that I’d had done the day I’d married Gia for real. It had started with just her name over my heart. I’d then added to with the birth of every child, “I’m okay, Navy, I haven’t moved from this chair since we got here. Everyone has been fetching and carrying for me,” she assured me. “Although, I have been enjoying the view this afternoon,” she winked at me as she ran a finger down my chest.

Smirking at her words, I guess I still did it for my Old Lady. Knowing that she would tell me if she wasn’t okay, I stood up, resting my hands on the arms of her chair, I bent over and took her lips in a soft, sweet kiss, trailing my lips along her cheek until I got to her ear, “Glad I still do it for you, sweets. Love you,” I whispered.

Gia shivered at my words, turning her head and kissing the side of my mouth, “Not as much as I love you, Navy. You’re my hero, you always have been, and you always will be.”

My heart filled with love at her words and as always, they settled me.

I’d waited a long time for Gia, she was everything I could have wished for. She made me a better man, a better brother and finally a father. I wouldn’t be where I was today without her by my side.

My sweets, my lady, my friend, my wife!

THE END